Newsletter

UGA NOTEBOOK: Herrera's unexpected playing time may help Dawgs

ATHENS — Injuries helped open the door for Amarlo Herrera to break through with major playing time as a freshman last year.

That experience might come in handy again this year as some temporary player attrition might hit the inside linebackers early in the season.

“Last year helped a lot,” Herrera said. “I know better what to expect now. I know how the game is played and how to play on the college level. I know what’s expected of me.”

Georgia could be without starting inside linebacker Alec Ogletree because of suspension at the beginning of the season for violating team rules. Herrera stands first in line to potentially take up the slack.

As a freshman last year Herrera filled the void when both starting inside linebackers, Ogletree and Christian Robinson went down with injuries. Robinson and Ogletree eventually returned but they had to fight past Herrera to get their spots back.

“It surprised me at first, getting to play in front of some of the other guys,” Herrera said. “But as the season went on, I worked hard and I prepared. When you work hard, that’s what you get.”

Herrera played in all 14 games last year and made eight starts. He made 37 total tackles with a forced fumble, two pass breakups and three quarterback pressures as Georgia went 10-4 and made the Southeastern Conference championship game.

“It feels a lot different from last year,” Herrera said. “We want to be better than what we were last year. Last year our goal was to just get to the Georgia Dome. This year we’re actually talking about winning it all when we get there. When we get there, that also would allow us to go to Miami (BCS title game) and we want to win there too.”

Receivers Wooten, King miss practice

Receivers Tavarres King and Rantavious Wooten missed Friday’s practice with injuries but neither is expected to miss much time.

King was held out with a lower left leg strain and Wooten missed because of a right hip strain, Friday’s injury report said. King, a senior, led Georgia in receptions last year with 47 for 705 yards and eight touchdowns. Wooten, a junior, made two catches for 39 yards and a touchdown last year.

“It affected (the receivers) today, but I don’t know if it will affect them much longer in this camp,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said. “I don’t think its anything serious.”

Andrews taking over at center

Georgia started camp looking to replace four-year starter at center Ben Jones. Richt believes he has found the man in sophomore David Andrews.

“To me, he’s solidified that job,” Richt said. “We went into camp hoping he would be the guy. ... I think it’s the best combination for Georgia for him to be the center, and I think he’ll do a good job.

Andrews appeared in 10 games as a freshman last year. As of Friday, Richt said that his second choice at center would be junior Chris Burnette, who is also playing guard.

Leadership program names 5 players

The football team had five players named to the Georgia Athletic Association’s Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) program on Friday.

The program gives student-athletes a chance to meet with local, state and industry leaders to provide them with resources to be competitive for conference and national awards as well as postgraduate scholarships.

Picture day starts at 1 p.m. today

Georgia’s picture day will be held today at Reed Plaza on the northeast side of Sanford Stadium.

Georgia football players will be available from 3-5 p.m. between Gates 2 and 4. Georgia football coach Mark Richt will be available from 3-5 for those with ticket coupons.

The balance of Georgia’s athletic teams will be available for photographs at Reed Plaza from 1-3 p.m.